Strong bond, very strong. I couldn't have children, my pets take up that void. I won't even go into what I've done for my dogs or what I'm doing for the one I presently have. Cost has been no factor for me in his care. I would love to have another horse but the memories of having to put the one I had down are too strong, she was more like a dog than a horse, I can't go through that again.

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Wow, glad I'm not the only one. Our animals are really our whole lives. We moved to the country to give them a better life, and have so many so it hurts a little less to lose one. It has been a few years since we've lost one, but I get emotional about each and every one, anytime I think of it.

Burning building, you bet I'd start with the pets! We have a trust for their care when we are gone as well. I grew up with lots of animals, my DH has had to learn about it OTJ! Our peeps are currently: Grace, Jane, Carl, Anna, Petey (dogs) and Hokey, Harriet, Henry, Jinx & Minx (Cats) and Emma and Tess (sheep). Plus the fish.

Our vacation schedules revolve completely around their care. We are planning to make a living space for someone to stay here permanently when we retire, so they have constant care.

OK--the orange tabby Tawnya is adorable, we had one like that (rescued) that I gave my sister--his name is Sunny! Cute!

I always like to mention that when we got married, the vet gave us a place setting of our formal china--I'd say that says a lot about how much we are worth to the practice! We spend less than you'd think, but Jane's broken leg was about $2k, other than that we have pretty routine costs, just lots of mouths to feed.
Sarah

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ďOne day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it's worth watching.Ē
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OK--the orange tabby Tawnya is adorable, we had one like that (rescued) that I gave my sister--his name is Sunny! Cute!

Thanks! Tawnya's a rescue too (and she's actually more of a dark blonde, but comes off a little more orangey in her photos). We haven't set up a trust for her--but MIL is a major cat lover as well (genetic trait?) and would happily take on responsibilities as kitty godmother if need be. She's easily the most mellow cat I've ever had, which makes it all the cooler when she flops down to request a belly rub and/or playtime. She's only about 4 years old, so hopefully I won't have to think about not having her for a LONG time...

My dog is a huge part of my life. My Rufus died last June (threads here on that as well) and it was a terrible terrible loss. Some might think I'm wacko when I say the loss of Rufus was worse than the loss of my mom in some ways. I was close to my mom, but she was 3,000 miles away, and the loss didn't affect my day-to-day life the way the absence of my dog did.

So I got Milo about six weeks ago. I have to say I have not developed that super-close bond with him yet, but I think it takes time - just like any relationship. I can say that when I'm dragging my @$$ home from w*rk at the end of a long day, knowing he's waiting lifts my spirits.

As far as changing lifestyle - I knew it didn't make sense "logically" to get a new puppy right now - work, travel, health, time issues all pointed to not bringing a new complication into the mix. But my heart said, "I need a dog" and it won out.

As far as spending money - Vet bills generally are $500 - 600 a year - including checkups shots and minor illness/injuries. Food - That remains to be seen - 40#/mo. is about $300 year. Boarding at $15/day another $300 or so. Toys, treats, collars, other supplies, another $300 or so.... $1,500 a year?

I had a little mutt about 10 years ago that had cancer. She was one of the "special ones" too - spent probably $5,000 on chemo for her. (I deliberately didn't track or add up the costs). It bought four years of time with her, and it was worth it, to us.

Edit to add: If you don't mind sharing: How much do you spend on your dog annually? I have read/heard of numbers that are multiples of GDP per capita of many many countries.

I missed this in my first post. We have two dogs. The veterinarian fees are probably about $500/year during a typical year. But with a previous Golden we popped for a hip replacement (don't even ask how much that cost). For the last three we have been careful to use only a breeder we know and trust. I don't know what the food costs but it isn't a separate line item in my ER budget.

If you are thinking about getting a pet remember that your ability to travel is significantly impacted.

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Every man is, or hopes to be, an Idler. -- Samuel Johnson

If you are thinking about getting a pet remember that your ability to travel is significantly impacted.

I will heed your advice. Thanks. I'm not (at least I don't think I am) that emotional, so I think the bond will not be as strong for me, but after reading you guys' posts I'm having second thought. Better off staying away from it in the first place, then trying and taking a chance. At this moment, the kids and the house are already impacting travel plans.

Edit to add: One more question: Do veterinarians buy malpractice insurance? If so, do they get sued as often as doctors for human in this country?

The largest judgment in favor of a pet owner has been $39,000, which a jury in Orange County, Calif., awarded last year to Marc Bluestone.

His mutt, Shane, died of liver failure after a misdiagnosis. In a verdict that is being appealed by the vet, the jury awarded Bluestone $30,000 for the dog's "unique value" to his owner, and $9,000 for vet bills.

The USA's 64 million pet owners now spend more than $18 billion a year on pet health care, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, which says that the owner of a typical American dog will spend $11,500 on the animal during its lifetime ó half of it on medical care. Pet hospitals now have specialists such as cardiologists, neurologists and oncologists.

Very strong. Routine costs - food, routine vet, toys not so bad and $$ varies with size and type of pet. But it is the destroyed household items and yards, boarding, and emergency and sick care put the costs over the top.

The stories of $$ spent and life adjustments made are too numerous to describe.

As a recent example, when our dog was bitten by a water moccossin in front of the whole family, it was total meltdown time - I grabbed the dog ($1,400 in vet bills - and that was without needing surgery) to the kids - who were screaming and crying hysterically as I drove away. The dog is scarred but fine, BTW.

Then there was my parapalegic cat...

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I would not have anyone adopt my mode of living...but I would have each one be very careful to find out and pursue his own way, and not his father's or his mother's or his neighbor's instead. Thoreau, Walden

I am hoping to stay petless in the future. It would require lifestyle changes. With no pet, I will have to find people who will listen when I need to talk, whereas a pet always looks on lovingly while I babble. Also, with no young kids or grandkids, where will I get an outlet for baby talk? The right kind of lover would go fine, but we likely know what a tricky road that can be. If I tried it on my wife at this point she would think I had had a stroke.

Without my dog my walks have changed- more lonesome, but also faster and covering more ground. Over time I hope to find some human walk companions. For some years now my dog has been slowing down, especially in warm weather. But my walking time still went to him, so I got a bit less of health walking. OTOH, it is harder to get myself out in the rain without him. I am lucky to have a nice park a few blocks away. In the morning especially there are a lot of friendly exercise walkers and dog walkers out. Later in the day there are some spectacular skaters out at a new skate-park. There is also a dog shelter. I met a woman who asked me about volunteering there as a walker. I may do that if it won't tie me down too much. Maybe I could be a sub.

There are a few young women here who have huge dogs for protection. They canít really train them (not enough time) and canít really control them untrained. I understand their feelings, but would prefer that they get a gun and some training. These huge dogs lunging around are not confidence inspiring. It bothered me when my dog was getting so old and blind and weak, as I didnít know for sure that I could protect him.

I doubt that anyone here doesnít know it, but pets live a long time and require a big commitment in time, money and attention. For the pets sake, the familyís sake, and the sake of neighbors and passers-by, pets especially dogs have to be controlled. I would welcome more strict enforcement of ordinances and heftier fines for damage.

Now that I donít have a dog, I will be looking for a no dogs building. I like to see them, but donít want to run into somebodyís uncontrolled Rottie or Pit Bull on my way to the trash bin.

Ha

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"As a general rule, the more dangerous or inappropriate a conversation, the more interesting it is."-Scott Adams

I recently adopted a 6 yr old Shih Tzu, from the Humane Society. She had been lost and unclaimed and looked like she had been frightened to death. Took her about three days, to adapt to her new environment and now, --She and I are soulmates!

6 months ago, I had to "put down." our beloved Misty. Another Shih Tzu, the most lovable dog I've ever had. She gave us 14 + years of love, affection and companionship. She is deeply missed!!

The new arrival, "Molly," is female. Seven pounds of furball. Timid and shy! Took her three days to get acclimated to her new home. BUT, When she did,----WoW, did she worm her way into my heart! She, is everywhere, that I am. Follows me everywhere! Waits for me, at the door when I go out. Barks and wags her tail, when I come in. Just a total joy, to be around!!

Quite strong. My dog just had to be put down as he had developed an agressive gum tumor. I miss him terribly. He was my special buddy for 14 1/2 years, and I didn't want it to end.

Ha

I understand this pain. Over the last thirty years, we have had two dogs and two cats. I had to put them down when they became ill. It was such a difficult, heart renching experience that I don't think I can have another pet. My husband wants to get another dog, however, after I put our last dog down I swore -- no more animals. My husband and children keep telling me to focus on all the fun years.

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Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful. Just another form of "buy low, sell high" for those who have trouble with things. This rule is not universal. Do not buy a 1973 Pinto because everyone else is afraid of it.

My oldest cat, Calico, turned 19 on April 18th. She is in great shape but I know it's only another couple of years at the most until she is gone. It makes me cry just thinking about it.

Our Grandma kitty Little ran out of steam a few months ago - the last day I knew would be her last - predug her grave out near our old savage 3-legged Tiger's grave and let her die here at home. It was odd how the last couple weeks cleaning up after her when she totally missed the litterbox by 5-10' didn't bother me a bit - I'd be telling her it was ok Little honey. Three years ago I had my Mom here at home for her last week and had the ablulance take her to the hospital on her last day. At that time i kept pushing for the Drs. to pump her full of pain meds as her lungs filled up - i wanted her to die as easily as possible. Result was that she was incommunicado. I've taken cats and a dog in and held them while they were put down. I've taken in a cat and turned it over to the vet to be put down. I've killed a few of my own cats, thinking that they deserved to die by my hand if they were to die. It all hurts. People or pets. Probably Little dying fairly easily and naturally here at home was, while longer, one of the better deaths. I wish I had had the stones to let my Mom die here without the benefit of the medical community.

Nice to see I'm not the only one, sometimes people look at me like I'm nuts when I say that I don't want to do too much travelling because of my cat - he's stressed when left alone for long periods. Last time I was out of town for a few days, a neighbor came ba and let him out each morning, and a very understanding and loyal teacher friend came by each afternoon and did her marking at my place so he had company. In between I'm told he wandered around and made friends with all of the neighbours.

I also want to move but I can't find an appropriate place to live. An apartment would not work, he would be miserable cooped up inside all the time. A townhouse in the area I want to live is EXPENSIVE (650K+). A house is not an option (they don't exist). Traffic is also a concern. So I'm stuck until I find a solution.

The irony is, I never chose to have a cat. My ex took him in from a friend of his, and over time I ended up taking care of him. So when the ex moved out (and then left the country shortly afterwards), the cat stayed with me. Of course, I've totally bonded with him now and he's family, but there's also a responsibility there - he depends on me completely.

as strong as any human to human bond. I won't be having kids either, so the cats *are* my kids (and I like it that way, I don't want human babies!).

my first cat, elizibeth, was like no other. we don't know where she came from (appeared one cold january morning, sitting on top of the window AC, demanding to be let in) or where she went (went out for a stroll one day, never came back). We believe that she was brought by (and returned to) the aliens.

she was very smart & fiercely loyal to me. she used to sleep under the covers with me, and she'd lick my feet when I was sick. she used to wait for me at the bus stop every day, when I was coming home from school. when I got off, she'd jump up on my shoulder for the walk home (I grew up way out in the country).

there will never be another elizibeth.

my current cat, chloe, is a sweetie pie too. we don't have same intense bond, but we do love each other. she was very aloof when my mom brought her to me (and preggers, to boot!), but she's gotten more snuggly as the years have passed.

I don't know how much I've spent on cats over the years, but it's definintely in the thousand. when I was in college, I used to pick up strays, get them their shots/get fixed (at a discount, for bringing in so many), and find them homes. I placed over a dozen, in the year or so that I was living on my own & able to do it.

Ever since my bf got more into feline nutrition, we've been feeding them higher end canned food: natural balance, evolve, merrik's. it's made quite a difference in my chloe, she was getting a bit too voluptious for her own good. and she love's merrik's turducken.

If I ever move out of nyc, I would definitely have more cats. right now, I live with bf & his cat too (and she's a sweetie too, but obviously his little girl). If we had more room, I'd get at least a few more strays. not much makes me happier than a house full of good mews.

BTW, with the recent recall scares going on, I did some digging. Innova cat food (no, I don't work for the company) uses all organic ingredients, and they have their own manufacturing plant, so no possibility of cross-contamination. My vet's office is basically the "university hospital" of veterinary practices, so they have all disciplines, and their nutritionist said this was an excellent diet, so I switched my girls over to it. (More good news, my picky eater actually likes the stuff!)

Also, my vet tells me that it's better to have cats on dry food most of the time, with OCCASIONAL treats from the can. Evidently canned is harder on the teeth.

We feed ours the Costco brand, which so far hasnt had any recalls pointed towards it. We were feeding the Innova EVO to all the critters until the local feed store decided to raise the price 2-3 bucks a bag every time I bought it. I quit when it was topping $55 for a medium size bag. At $16 for a bag twice the size, and pretty good ingredients...back to the Costco food.

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Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful. Just another form of "buy low, sell high" for those who have trouble with things. This rule is not universal. Do not buy a 1973 Pinto because everyone else is afraid of it.

Extremely strong - my dad always joked that the dog was the only one excited to see him when he came home from work. I can now relate. How can I not be touched by the look of pure love and joy in my dog's eyes when I walk through the door after a long day at work.

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__________________"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" - Mary Oliver

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